Death Valley
The hottest, driest, lowest park in America, and a gentle winter escape.
9 national parks
Best Time to Visit California National Parks
Nine parks spanning the hottest desert in North America, the tallest and largest trees on Earth, and the high Sierra. Deserts peak in winter and spring; the Sierra and the north peak in summer.
Best overall month for the region: October. Each park has its own window below.
Average rating by month
Season calendar
The parks
Joshua Tree
Twisted Joshua trees and giant granite boulders where two deserts meet.
Channel Islands
California's 'Galápagos': five islands reachable only by boat or small plane.
Pinnacles
Volcanic spires, talus caves and soaring California condors.
Lassen Volcanic
Boiling mud pots, steaming vents and a volcano you can climb, without the crowds.
Redwood
Walk among the tallest living things on Earth, then hit a wild Pacific beach.
Kings Canyon
A glacier-carved canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon in places, with a fraction of the visitors.
Sequoia
Giant sequoias, granite domes and the largest tree on Earth.
Yosemite
Granite walls, giant waterfalls and the valley that inspired the national park idea.
Questions
When is the best time to visit California national parks?
October is the best overall month for the 9 parks in this region. Deserts peak in winter and spring; the Sierra and the north peak in summer.
How many national parks are in the California region?
9: Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Channel Islands, Pinnacles, Lassen Volcanic, Redwood, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Yosemite.
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Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.